NCEPH researchers recognised at 2026 ACT Mental Health Sector Awards
Professor Michelle Banfield and Anna Foxcroft from the ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH) have been recognised at the 2026 ACT Mental Health Sector Awards.
Both researchers are from NCEPH’s Centre for Mental Health Research and were honoured for their contributions to lived experience leadership, advocacy, and mental health system reform in the ACT.
Professor Michelle Banfield received the Outstanding Contribution – Consumer award, which recognises mental health consumers—individuals with lived experience of mental ill-health —who have made a significant impact through advocacy, education, support or co-design.
“I am very proud to have shared the award with a long-time advocate and educator Bear Paintain,” Michelle says.
For more than twenty years, Michelle has worked to strengthen the meaningful inclusion of consumers in mental health research, education, and policy. Her efforts have helped shift consumers’ role from participants to genuine partners in shaping evidence, services, and systems.
At NCEPH, Michelle leads ACACIA: The ACT Consumer and Carer Mental Health Research Unit, which is currently co-designing a co-evaluation of the ACT Peer Pathways program, a new peer workforce initiative to support consumers’ recovery from mental ill-health.
The work builds on more than a decade of research into peer work, including the Co-Creating Safe Spaces project, which explores safe spaces for people experiencing emotional distress.
“I would like to thank all of our lived experience and sector collaborators over the 13 years of ACACIA, and especially the ACT Mental Health Consumer Network for the nomination,” says Michelle.
Michelle also serves as Co-Director and Lived Experience Research Lead for the ALIVE National Centre.
“I also acknowledge the big steps forward for mental health research and translation that embed lived experience that have resulted from being a Co-Director of the ALIVE National Centre with Professor Victoria Palmer,” she says.
Anna Foxcroft received the Outstanding Contribution – Carer award for her work with mental health carers, families, and young people.
For Anna, the recognition came as a surprise.
“I know there are many carers who dedicate their time to family and also advocate for systemic change,” she says.
“I am very proud to have my contributions to improving outcomes for young people experiencing mental ill health, and the families and carers supporting them, recognised by this award.”
Anna joined ACACIA in 2023 as a lived experience intern and now contributes to the team as a research officer.
“I really value the work that I do, as I am driven by lived experience to help improve mental health services in the ACT,” she says.
Alongside her role in research, Anna has contributed to advisory and consultation groups working to make mental health systems more responsive and compassionate for carers and the people they support.
“Being a carer advocate can be a delicate space to hold, and I am lucky to be supported by the team at Mental Health Carers Voice (Carers ACT),” adds Anna.
“I am proud to be part of the lived experience community and grateful to my family for allowing me to share our journey to advocate for changes to make the ACT mental health system more compassionate and supportive for young people and their families.”